Collection of Destiel

In the Palm of Her Hand

"Just like this, Grace." Dean wrapped his fingers around his daughter's little wrist and guided her hand toward the edge of the cake.

The little girl chuckled quietly with her other hand over her mouth as her father swiped her finger along the bottom line of icing. They both grinned at each other as Grace quickly popped the icing into her mouth before anyone else could see. The party-goers were too busy catching up with old friends to notice what the father and daughter were up to... everyone except Castiel.

Cas was leaning against a doorway across the room with his eyes settling softly on his family. His smile grew as he watched Grace steal more icing with Dean's help. Maybe another person would scold Dean and Grace for what they were doing, but Cas couldn't find the heart to do it.

It had been a tough year on the three of them. Grace had been born with many a heart defect but they couldn't do surgery until she was older. The cake, balloons, and banners were all the 'Welcome Home' she received when she was brought back from the hospital a few days ago. Initially after the surgery Grace couldn't do any strenuous activities so Cas threw the party today.

Mary Winchester lightly nudged Cas' arm before setting her own eyes on her son and granddaughter. A mother's warmth radiated from her smile. "Dean has been doing that at parties since he was old enough to walk."

Cas chuckled softly and turned toward the older woman. "I remember him doing it at our wedding."

This got a loud snort out of Mary as she shook her head playfully. Suddenly, her eyes turned serious and she reached out her hand to grip tightly to Cas' arm. "I prayed for her, you know. Every day since she was born."

Cas couldn't do anything but nod. He had prayed every night before going to bed that he would never lose his Grace. The demons were always lurking in his mind that maybe his daughter would die, that her heart would give out or the surgery would go wrong. But now, listening to the laughter filling his home, he couldn't believe that God had listened to his prayers.

"Dean came to me that day." Mary's lips turned down in a frown. "He... he cried in my arms and damned every God he could think of for harming his daughter. I listened and soothed as best I could for hours." Her eyes turned to scan over the room as a tear fell down her cheek. "Being a parent is the hardest thing a person can be. I have to be strong even when I feel like I am breaking."

"Mary-"

Her eyes shot back to his with a reserved smile that was laced with tears. "You and Dean are wonderful fathers. I feared that since Dean's father was so absent during his life that he would fall into the same path. But he proved me wrong. I see the way you too look at that girl. And I know, deep in my heart, that angels are watching over you three. No evil force could ever harm that small family of yours."

Castiel bit his cheeks to keep the sobs at bay as his eyes fogged over. "Thank you."

Mary nodded and retracted her arm to wipe the tears away. She sniffled and rolled her eyes. "Dammit. I promised Dean I wouldn't cry."

Castiel watched as Mary made her way through the crowd toward the restroom, most likely to compose herself. He turned back to see Grace tucked against Dean's hip with her arms wrapped around his neck. Dean was idly talking to Benny about something that made his eyes light up. Without pause, he found himself walking over toward his small family, Mary's words echoing in his mind.

When he got close Dean's eyes fell on his and his smile radiated enough warmth to bring redness to Cas' cheeks. "Where've ya been, sweetheart?"

"Watching you." Cas stepped closer to place a chaste kiss on Dean's lips. He still tasted the salt from the tears Dean had shed earlier that morning when they were together in their bed reminiscing on the day they brought Grace home.

"Dad!" Grace turned her head on Dean's shoulder to look up at Castiel with the purest light blue eyes he had ever seen. "Look what Grandma got me!"

The small girl squirmed a little until she could pull back from Dean and reach her hand against her neck. Her small fingers wrapped around a silver chain and pulled until a little figurine on the chain popped out from under her shirt. She leaned close to Castiel as she delicately held the silver figure in her palm.

"It's an angel." Grace grinned, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Grandma says that they are always watching over me!"

"That's very-" Cas had to clear his throat because he could feel the tears start to ebb at his voice, "-very sweet of her. Did you tell her thank you?"

"Duh." Grace leaned back against Dean and tucked her head under his chin. "Can we eat cake now?"

"I thought you already had your fill of icing." Cas gave a playfully stern look to Grace and then raised an eyebrow when his eyes met Dean's.

Dean flushed with a nervous grin. "We were just taste testing. Seein' if it was any good."

"It is delicious!" Grace giggled before burying her face into Dean's chest.

Benny, who had been on the sidelines of this conversation, let out a soft chuckle. "Well I hope so. I baked it just for you, sugar pie."

Grace giggled at the nickname, just as she always does. "Thank you, Uncle Benny."

Benny gave her a wink before nodding at both men and starting off toward more friends.

Castiel wrapped his arm around Dean's waist and laid his head on his husband's shoulder. The three of them stayed close for a few moments, all three just letting themselves enjoy the atmosphere of love and family surrounding them. When Cas looked up he saw Dean placing soft kisses against Grace's head. His heart swelled so think he thought he would choke on it.